Sportive Cyclists Vie For Document Network Services Mountain Crown

Cyclists joining the annual Cycle Derby Spring Classic Sportive on Sunday April 23 will be vying for the DNS King or Queen of the Mountain crown for the first time this year.

A 100m section of Long Lane between Radbourne and Longford will be laid with timing chip technology and riders taking part in the 40k, 80k and 160k will be timed on the uphill climb.

Both the fastest male and female riders will win the DNS sponsored King or Queen of the Mountain title, organised by Cycle Derby and HUUB Events.

Mark Smith from Cycle Derby explained: “We have introduced the King or Queen of the Mountain challenge to add something a little extra to this already popular event.

“The Geldards team challenge has proven even more popular this year as teams of work colleagues and cycling friends have risen to the challenge in great numbers. As so many are tackling the longer distances, picking an overall winner has been a challenge in itself.

“The mountain challenge will therefore effectively be a tie breaker for the teams covering equal distances and be a great measure of their strength and stamina in tackling the climb.

“The Sportive is an important part of the Cycle Derby and HUUB Events’ objective to encourage more people to become active and healthy.

“The great thing about all three of the Derby Spring Classic Sportive 40k, 80k and 160k routes is that they are otherwise relatively flat and therefore very achievable for everyone – whatever their cycling experience.

“We are very grateful to DNS to have come on board alongside Geldards law firm to sponsor this event. Together they have provided families, individuals and business teams to get out on their bikes and enjoy a day of group cycling.”

More than 500 riders have so far signed up for the Spring Classic which will start and finish at Markeaton Park with set routes around Derbyshire and East Staffordshire.

Claire Duffin is Race Director for HUUB Events. She concluded: “The response since we opened entries for the Sportive shows that Derby is well and truly a cycling city.

“Entries are also coming in from cyclists from further afield which is great news for the city as they come here with their family and friends for an enjoyable day out.”